Understanding Competency: A Checklist for the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy

All College registrants are bound by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which sets out the minimum standards for professional practice and conduct. The Standards of Practice, Principle II: Competence and Integrity, interpretation 2.1.1 states that registrants  must ensure that they are “aware of the extent and parameters of their competence and their professional scope of practice and limit their practice accordingly.” One of the most common inquiries that the Professional Practice Department receive about competency is related to registrants’ ability to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy. 

It is important to note that performing the controlled act of psychotherapy is not an entry-to-practice competence. The skills, knowledge and judgment required must be developed with time and experience. Competence is not acquired from academic training alone. The College’s  Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy includes a checklist to assist registrants in determining whether they meet the requirements to competently practise the controlled act of psychotherapy.

To help determine competence and readiness, registrants are encouraged to complete the checklist below in consultation with a supervisor or others familiar with their practice. 

Checklist: Am I prepared to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy?

• In addition to my degree in social work/ diploma in social service work, I have:
  • a further degree or diploma with a clinical focus; and/or a certificate, or equivalent, from a program with a focus on performing the controlled act of psychotherapy; and 
  • post-degree/diploma experience in performing the controlled act of psychotherapy (two to three years; 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised experience in performing the controlled act of psychotherapy.) 
• My coursework and practica had a clinical focus. 
• I have engaged in a period of extensive clinical supervision with an experienced supervisor following the completion of my degree/diploma. 
• I continue to obtain regular supervision (individual, group, peer) appropriate to my level of experience related to performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. 
• My goals in the Continuing Competence Program are heavily weighted toward performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. 
• My learning activities in the Continuing Competence Program include experiential learning and opportunities to practise and/or observe clinical interventions. 
• I am aware of confidentiality and boundary issues, including those raised by the use of technology and have considered the impact of any technology I am using in my practice. 
• At least some of my ongoing training is more intensive (certificate programs, externships, in-depth courses). 
• I have reviewed, considered and understand the issues raised in the “Boundaries and Sexual Misconduct” section of the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy. 
• I have reviewed, considered and understand the issues raised in the “Informed Consent and Confidentiality” section of the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy. 
• I have reviewed the Standards of Practice in their entirety and have considered the standards and interpretations relevant to performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. 
• I have taken steps to ensure that I am adequately covered by professional liability insurance.